Mercenite
Properties
Material Characteristics
Quicksilver‑like pools that bead and separate until smelted which causes it to become soft and malleable. Mercenite is not susceptible to tarnishing or discoloration and has a magical conductivity rating of 8 out of 10.
Geology & Geography
Mercenite is extracted beneath the ancient lake bed of Old Larethis in central Faenarnór. It constantly seeps from ancient ley conduits as a quicksilver-like fluid. Mercenite is harvested from small pools within crystal chambers that still retain unstable residual charge.
History & Usage
Discovery
Mercenite was re-discovered in the year 8822 leaking from a cracked Ley condenser found deep in the Vantrelune Mountains. Extensive research was conducted on the Ley condensers after several dozen more were located, dating their origins back to the second iteration. It is unknown what purpose Mercenite served prior to the third iteration nor who discovered it.
Everyday use
Mercenite is found in most self‑healing objects such as military-grade neosteel plating, warforged exoskin and automata cores, morphic seals and all artificial organs in-use for the last millennium.
Refinement
Mercenite requires natural energy sources such as lightning, hydroelectric or volcanic to initialize its transformative properties. Once charged it is quickly subjected to electrofix in shock‑warded vats for 6-9 hours. The material cools slowly in wooden crates for 1-2 weeks on average, taking longer during the summer months.
Hazards
Shock-warded vats require careful cleaning and preparation and still often release toxic charged vapors that can be fatal to most organic beings. While not classified as radioactive, similar biohazard protocols must be followed for proper disposal.
Environmental Impact
Improper storage and disposal create billowing charged-vapor clouds which, once condensed create acid rain killing plants, animals and insects on-contact.
Reusability & Recycling
Mercenite is only reusable if kept charged, otherwise separates into dull dross and a porous, commercially useless metal goop.
Distribution
Trade & Market
Contracts are bid on annually and all of harvested Mercenite is distributed by percentage of contract value, effectively ensuring all contracts receive some Mercenite. While not typical, yields sometimes fulfill contracts in-whole if harvest is plentiful.
Law & Regulation
All Pægor and most Kiqueo countries require Mercenite to be returned to the supplier once no longer in use. International regulation, in addition to contractual obligations ensure constant supply and significantly reduce occurrences of charged-vapor clouds.
Type
Ore
Value
50 gold per gram
Rarity
Uncommon
Color
pure silver
Melting / Freezing Point
900° T
Density
780 lb/ft³